I/O Modules combine configurable FPGA with DIO front-ends.
Press Release Summary:
Models PMC-LX and PMC-SX support AXM plug-in I/O extension modules to interface different signal types to user-configurable Xilinx® Virtex-4® FPGA, which can process user-defined algorithms and custom logic routines on RS-485 differential, CMOS, or LVDS digital I/O (DIO) signals. While PMC-LX is optimized for high-performance logic with choice of LX40 or LX60 Virtex-4 FPGAs, PMC-SX uses SX35 FPGA designed for high-speed digital signal processing.
Original Press Release:
New PMC Modules Combine the Power of a Configurable Virtex-4 FPGA with Interchangeable Digital I/O Front-Ends
Acromag's new PMC I/O modules provide a Virtex-4 FPGA for fast processing of custom logic routines and a front mezzanine for plug-in digital I/O cards to interface a variety of signal types
Wixom, MI: Acromag's new PMC-LX and PMC-SX modules support a variety of AXM plug-in I/O extension modules to interface different signal types to a user-configurable Xilinx® Virtex-4® FPGA. The powerful Virtex-4 FPGA can process user-defined algorithms and custom logic routines on RS-485 differential, CMOS, or LVDS digital I/O signals depending on the AXM I/O module inserted. The PMC base card has 32 LVDS I/O channels available via P4 for rear connection I/O and conduction cooled applications. PMC-LX models are optimized for high-performance logic with a choice of LX40 or LX60 Virtex-4 FPGAs while the PMC-SX model uses the SX35 FPGA designed for high-speed digital signal processing. Typical uses include sonar/radar, military servers, hardware simulators, communication processing, and automated test equipment. FPGA modules start at $3200 with varying performance levels plus $350 for the optional AXM digital I/O extension modules.
Powerful and versatile, these PMC modules offer a choice of Virtex-4 FPGAs to match your logic and signal processing requirements. PMC-LX models can be ordered with an LX40 or LX60 FPGA featuring 40K or 60K logic cells, respectively. They provide a high logic-to-feature ratio and a high I/O-to-feature ratio. The PMC-SX features an SX35 FPGA with 192 DSP slices and 35K logic cells. The SX35 can help you build custom pre/post/co-processing hardware or high-performance filters. You can create more than 40 different functions (MACs, multipliers, adders, and muxes).All Virtex-4 FPGAs feature versatile logic resources, large on-chip memories, and a high-speed interface.
I/O processing is handled on a separate mezzanine card that plugs into the FPGA base board. A variety of these AXM extension I/O modules offer an interface for your analog and digital I/O signals. Additionally, 64 I/O lines are supported via the rear (P4) connector. The PCI bus interface is handled by a PLX® PCI 9056 device which provides 32-bit 66MHz bus mastering with dual-channel DMA support.
Plenty of DRAM memory, 32Mb x 32-bit, is available for receipt and transfer of high-speed data from the I/O data ports on the front and rear of the board. Dual Ported SRAM memory is supplied for storage of data to be passed, via DMA transfer, to the PCI bus. With the 256Kb x 36-bit dual-ported memory, users can hold data prior to DMA transfers into system memory for maximum efficiency. One of the dual ports is attached to the FPGA and the other to the local bus. For configuration, users have the flexibility to store their FPGA code in flash for loading upon power-up or to modify signal processing operations on the fly by downloading new code into the FPGA from the PCI bus as requirements change.
Application-specific programs are downloaded directly into the FPGA or to flash memory from the PCI bus. Acromag's Engineering Design Kit provides utilities to help users develop custom programs, load VHDL into the FPGA and to establish DMA transfers between the FPGA and the CPU. The kit includes a compiled FPGA file and example VHDL code provided as selectable blocks with examples for the local bus interface, read/writes, and change-of-state interrupts to the PCI bus.
For easy integration of the boards with embedded Windows® applications, Acromag developed a DLL driver software package for compatibility with Microsoft® Visual C++(TM), and Visual Basic. Sample files with "C" source demonstration programs provide easy-to-use tools to test operation of the module.
For connectivity with real time application programs, Acromag offers C libraries for VxWorks®, QNX®, and other operating systems. The libraries provide generic routines (source code included) to handle reads, writes, interrupts, and other functions. Demonstration programs enable the developer to quickly exercise the I/O modules before attaching the routines to the application program. This diagnostic tool can save hours of troubleshooting and debugging. Free Linux example programs are also available.
Acromag has been developing and manufacturing measurement and control products for more than 45 years. They are an international corporation with a world headquarters near Detroit, Michigan and a global network of sales representatives and distributors. Acromag offers a complete line of embedded I/O products including bus boards, mezzanine modules, wiring accessories, and software. Industries served include military, aerospace, manufacturing, transportation, utilities, and scientific research laboratories.
For more information about Acromag products, call Inside Sales or Marketing Communications at (248) 624-1541, (800) 881-0268, FAX (248) 624-9234, or write Acromag, Inc. at P.O. Box 437, Wixom, MI 48393-7037 USA. Information is also available on the Internet at www.acromag.com.
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